overwhelming debt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overwhelming debt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where an individual or entity has a significant amount of debt that is difficult to manage or cope with. Example: "After losing his job, he found himself in overwhelming debt, struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Japan's overwhelming debt burden limited the government's ability to cut taxes or spend money.

The New York Times

But the story has mostly been about acquisitions, dispositions, overwhelming debt and shotgun corporate mergers.

The New York Times

"Claus felt an overwhelming debt to this country," said Sir David Attenborough, a close friend.

The Guardian

What many young people need is relief from overwhelming debt burdens through bankruptcy.

The Washington Post

QUESTION FROM GUEST: Isn't it true that Haiti is strapped with overwhelming debt, specifically with the World Bank?

The New Yorker

Earlier this month, Mr. Bush picked Mr. Baker as a special envoy to address Iraq's overwhelming debt.

The New York Times

Sir David Attenborough, a close friend of both Moser and Forman, comments: "Claus feels an overwhelming debt to this country.

The Guardian

Weill Cornell Medicine students advocated for, among other things, the importance of Perkins Loans for graduate students, without which many students would face overwhelming debt.

Cornell University

I understand the financial pressures that overwhelming debt can cause and have the solutions to solve any debt problem quickly and easily.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

President Obama's proposal for a new tax on millionaires echoes a call in many countries struggling with budget deficits and overwhelming debts to make the wealthy pay more.

The New York Times

Faced with overwhelming debts, the current government promised when it took over to eliminate 15,000 city jobs and cut $1 billion a year in spending — but kept the expensive airport project.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "overwhelming debt", provide specific figures or metrics to illustrate the scale of the problem. Instead of just saying a company has "overwhelming debt", state the amount of debt and compare it to their assets or revenue.

Common error

Avoid attributing "overwhelming debt" to single, simplistic causes. Debt accumulation is usually a complex process involving multiple factors, such as economic downturns, poor management, or unforeseen expenses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overwhelming debt" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "overwhelming" modifies the noun "debt". This construction serves to emphasize the severity and magnitude of the debt. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overwhelming debt" effectively communicates a situation of significant financial strain, as supported by Ludwig's analysis and numerous real-world examples. Predominantly found in news and academic contexts, it highlights the seriousness and widespread nature of debt-related issues. Alternatives like "crushing debt" or "unmanageable debt" offer similar but slightly nuanced expressions. Whether discussing national economies or individual finances, using precise language helps convey the true impact of substantial debt burdens. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the expression is grammatically sound and widely used across various platforms, denoting a high level of acceptance and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crushing debt

Emphasizes the severely negative impact and burden imposed by the debt.

crippling debt

Highlights the restrictive and debilitating effect of the debt.

unsustainable debt

Focuses on the inability to manage or repay the debt over time.

unmanageable debt

Indicates the difficulty in handling the debt effectively.

burdensome debt

Highlights the heavy load and difficulty associated with the debt.

excessive debt

Points to the debt being beyond a reasonable or acceptable level.

debilitating debt

Emphasizes the weakening effect of the debt on financial stability.

oppressive debt

Suggests the debt is harsh and difficult to bear.

severe debt

Indicates a debt of considerable magnitude and seriousness.

unpayable debt

Highlights the inability to repay the outstanding amount.

FAQs

How can I use "overwhelming debt" in a sentence?

You can use "overwhelming debt" to describe a situation where someone or something has a large amount of debt that is difficult to manage. For example, "Many students face "overwhelming debt" after graduating college".

What are some alternatives to "overwhelming debt"?

Alternatives to "overwhelming debt" include "crushing debt", "unmanageable debt", or "crippling debt". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What are the consequences of having "overwhelming debt"?

The consequences of "overwhelming debt" can include financial stress, difficulty obtaining loans, damage to credit scores, and even bankruptcy. It can significantly limit financial freedom and opportunities.

How can individuals avoid accumulating "overwhelming debt"?

To avoid accumulating "overwhelming debt", individuals should create a budget, track their spending, avoid unnecessary purchases, and prioritize paying down existing debt. Seeking financial advice can also be beneficial.